By Chukwuemeka Orji
Health workers, community leaders, women leaders and government officials in Awka South Local Government Area(LGA) have renewed efforts to improve routine immunisation coverage, calling for stronger community participation and sustained public education to address misconceptions surrounding childhood vaccination.
The stakeholders made the commitment during a community engagement meeting held at Eziokpaligwe Community Town Hall, Amawbia, on Nov. 10, where participants discussed barriers to immunisation uptake and strategies for ensuring that more children receive life saving vaccines.
Speaking at the meeting, the Director of Health Services, Awka South, Dr. Mrs. Ngozi Okeke, identified persistent rumours and misinformation as major challenges undermining routine immunisation.
She expressed concern that children often bear the consequences of misinformation and inadequate awareness, urging community stakeholders to take responsibility for correcting false narratives and encouraging parents to embrace vaccination.
“I want to use this opportunity to call on all stakeholders not to relent in the fight to protect future generations. Children are usually the victims of rumours and ignorance surrounding immunisation. That is why you are here today to counter misinformation and set the record straight,” she said.
Also speaking, the State Facilitator of the Paediatric Association of Nigeria (PAN), Mrs. Vivian Anugoh, described the engagement as an important platform for identifying challenges affecting vaccination programmes and developing practical solutions.
She encouraged participants to contribute actively to discussions and translate the resolutions into meaningful actions that would improve immunisation coverage across their communities.
In her remarks, the Social Mobilisation Officer (SMO), Mrs. Ifeoma Igbojekwe, urged stakeholders to intensify grassroots sensitisation, particularly across the various wards in the LGA.
She noted that community influencers, including traditional and women leaders, could help bridge information gaps by encouraging residents to access available healthcare and vaccination services.
According to her, government has provided health facilities and immunisation services, making it important for stakeholders to ensure that residents are adequately informed and encouraged to utilise them.
The Special Assistant to the Mayor on Health Services, Awka South, Pharm. Henry Iloh, reaffirmed the local government’s commitment to working with relevant stakeholders to strengthen public health programmes and expand immunisation coverage.
He emphasised the importance of monitoring programme implementation and ensuring that every ward benefits from the initiative.
“We will continue to support initiatives that promote public health. The results and records from this project should be closely monitored and extended to every ward to ensure compliance and improved immunisation coverage,” he said.
The meeting attracted health workers, community and women leaders, representatives of the mayor’s Office, the National Orientation Agency (NOA), the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) and other relevant stakeholders.
At the end of the engagement, participants resolved to strengthen community advocacy, sustain public education, address vaccine-related misinformation and encourage parents and caregivers to ensure their children receive all recommended routine vaccinations.
The initiative highlights the importance of community ownership and collaboration in protecting children against preventable diseases and improving immunisation outcomes across Awka South.
Chukwuemeka Orji is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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